Bat Houses to the Rescue!
There is encouraging news for little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) in Wisconsin. Once the state’s most abundant bat, this species suffered huge losses in recent years due to an introduced fungus that causes an ailment known as white-nose syndrome. Now this species appears to be making a strong recovery, thanks in large part to one […]
International Conservation Success – Supported by You
I have long been a believer in the power of good photos for conservation. But they work even better when paired with a passionate, intelligent speaker. That’s why I was delighted to receive the below email from Shera, the Co-Executive Director at PROGRES Sulawesi & Conservation Scientist at the Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia. Dear Mr. Merlin Tuttle, […]
Members Making a Difference Worldwide
By illustrating scientific discoveries with spectacular photography, we equip others worldwide to overcome fear and inspire appreciation of the key ecosystem roles of bats. Our members have opportunities to contribute, both financially and personally, in making a measurable difference. Recently, Partner Members Mindy Vescovo and Kathy Estes, funded and assisted me, our Workshop Advisory Trustee […]
Bat Flash! Response to the Conversation
The series Curious Kids, hosted by The Conversation, is designed to provide expert answers to questions asked by children from around the world. The December 16 edition, “Curious Kids: why do bats pass diseases to humans” is filled with media-driven disinformation that harms both the credibility of science and conservation efforts for bats, while doing […]
Bats and Ebola
Bats Mistakenly Accused in Search for Ebola Origin For more than a decade, virologists have speculated that Ebola outbreaks would be traced to bats. And sensational media headlines have turned speculation into “fact.” Governments have invested billions of dollars searching for the origin1, mostly focused on bats. Contrary to the evidence, the index case for […]
Response to Recent PBS NOVA Program
I had mixed feelings while watching the September 15, 2021 airing of PBS’ NOVA program, Bat Superpowers: Could the source of the deadliest viruses hold the secret to a healthier and longer life? Most of the scientists interviewed clearly liked bats and wanted to aid in their protection. Nevertheless, despite the many positive things reported, for […]
Bats and Nipah
Transmission of viruses from bats to humans is exceedingly rare. For anyone who simply doesn’t handle them or consume unpasteurized palm juice or unwashed fruits the odds of contracting any disease from a bat are extremely remote. The benefits of sharing our neighborhoods with bats far outweigh any risks. Even in the case of Nipah, the […]
A Cool Story of Bats Educating People
Inner Space Cavern, located in Georgetown, Texas, has become a bat education center thanks to cooperative tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) and tour guides who love them. More than 300,000 visitors a year will have a close-up encounter with bats during their guided tour. Tricolored bats can be seen year-round, often roosting within a few feet […]
Grey-headed Flying Foxes Find Friends in Bendigo Park, Australia
For more than a century, Australia’s flying foxes have been misunderstood, hated, and persecuted. Targeted for extermination, countless thousands have been killed. Vast populations have been reduced to endangered status and are now additionally threatened by climate change and exaggerated disease warnings. Nevertheless, as their primate-like sophistication and essential roles as forest pollinators and seed […]
Hope for Pennsylvania’s Bats – Cal Butchkoski’s Legacy
Calvin Butchkoski wasn’t privileged to attend graduate school. In fact, he never even took a course in bat biology while earning an associate degree in wildlife technology at Penn State. Yet, he became his state’s all-time leader in bat conservation. His amazing career is a testament to the power of following one’s passion while caring […]